Privacy Policy

Effective: November 13, 2025

Last Reviewed: November 13, 2025

DeHart Technical School (“DeHart Technical School,” “DTS,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) respects the privacy of every applicant, student, and visitor. As an accredited postsecondary educational institution, we comply with applicable federal and state privacy laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), and the California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA), to protect the confidentiality and integrity of the information we collect and the communications you share with us. This Policy applies to all information collected by DTS both online and offline, including enrollment forms, communications, and digital platforms.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information when you visit https://deharttech.edu or interact with us by phone, text, email, or other means. Please read this Policy together with any additional privacy notices we may provide at the time information is collected, as well as our Opt-Out Preferences page and Terms & Conditions. Those additional notices provide more detail for specific circumstances and supplement, rather than replace, this Policy.

Information We Collect

For purposes of this Policy, “personal information” means information that identifies, relates to, describes, or could reasonably be linked to an individual or household. It does not include anonymous or aggregated data that cannot be associated with a specific person.

We collect personal information that helps us operate our programs, process applications, and provide educational and support services. Depending on how you interact with us, this may include:

  • Identifiers and contact details – name, address, email, phone number, date of birth, and similar details.
  • Educational information – application materials, enrollment records, attendance, grades, certifications, and academic progress.
  • Financial information – tuition payments, billing details, and financial aid data when applicable.
  • Professional or employment information – prior education, training, work experience, or certifications.
  • Characteristics of protected classifications under California or federal law – such as race, gender, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, or age, when voluntarily provided or required for regulatory reporting.
  • Audio and visual information – photographs, video, or audio recordings captured during classes, events, or marketing activities, and security video where applicable.
  • Internet, technical, and usage data – IP address, browser type, device identifiers, referring URLs, and information about how you use our website and online services, including data collected by cookies and similar technologies.
  • Marketing and communication preferences – records of consent for email or SMS updates and your chosen communication preferences.
  • Sensitive personal information – limited to what is required for lawful business purposes such as verifying identity, processing payments, or meeting regulatory obligations.

We may also collect, use, and share aggregated data, such as statistical or demographic information, for internal analysis or reporting. Aggregated data is not considered personal information unless it can be used to identify a specific person.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies:
Our website uses a cookie consent tool that allows visitors to “Accept All,” “Reject All,” or manage specific cookie categories. Non-essential cookies (analytics, advertising, and performance trackers) are disabled by default until consent is given. You can update preferences at any time using the “Manage Cookie Preferences” link in our footer. Analytics and advertising cookies remain disabled until you provide affirmative consent through our consent tool.

Global Privacy Control (GPC):
We honor the Global Privacy Control signal as a valid request to opt out of “sharing” under the CPRA. If your browser sends a GPC signal, our systems will apply your opt-out preference automatically without requiring further action.

Retention:
We retain each category of personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purpose for which it was collected, to meet accreditation and legal requirements, or to support any claim, defense, or audit obligation.

Third-Party and Children’s Information:
Information collected through third-party links or plug-ins (such as social-media buttons) is governed by those parties’ privacy policies. For information about minors and children’s data, please see the Children’s Privacy section below.

How We Collect Information

We collect personal information in several ways:

  • When you submit a form (for example, Request Information, Contact Us, or an enrollment application).
  • When you communicate with us via phone, text, chat, or email.
  • Automatically, through cookies and analytics technologies that record website usage.
  • From third-party partners such as marketing platforms or financial aid providers who assist us in managing inquiries or services.

For details on cookies and analytics tools, please visit our Opt-Out Preferences page.

California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA) Notice
To help us respond efficiently and improve service quality, DTS may use tools such as call recording, chat logs, or website analytics that capture limited user interactions. These tools are disabled by default until you provide consent via our cookie banner or chat disclosure. DTS’s systems log only limited metadata (e.g., time, duration, and page interactions) and do not capture message content without user consent. When enabled, they are used only for operational, educational, or support purposes and never record confidential communications without your consent. By using our website, submitting a form, or communicating with us through our online chat or phone system, you acknowledge and consent to such monitoring consistent with the CIPA and other applicable laws. DTS does not record, intercept, or monitor private communications without notice and consent, consistent with California Penal Code §§631–632.7.

Information We Collect from Third Parties

In addition to the information you provide directly, we also receive limited personal information from trusted third-party partners and service providers who assist in operating our website, managing communications, and improving our marketing and educational services. This may include:

  • Analytics providers such as Google Analytics, which help us understand how visitors use our website. These services collect data like IP address, device type, and browsing behavior. For more information, visit Google’s Privacy & Terms or install the Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-on.
  • Advertising platforms such as Google Ads and Meta (Facebook/Instagram), which use cookies and pixel tags to measure ad performance and deliver relevant content. These platforms may collect data independently under their own privacy policies.
  • Technology and service partners that provide hosting, customer relationship management, or communication services, who may process limited data on our behalf under strict confidentiality agreements.

We do not control the privacy practices of these third parties, and their collection and use of your information are governed by their respective privacy policies. We encourage you to review those policies for additional details on how they handle your data.

Your cookie and tracking preferences can be managed at any time through our Opt-Out Preferences page.

Global Privacy Control (GPC) and Do Not Track (DNT):
We recognize and honor the Global Privacy Control (GPC) browser signal as a valid opt-out of “sharing” under the CPRA. Because there is no industry standard for Do Not Track (DNT), our website does not currently respond to DNT signals.

How We Use Your Information

We use personal information to:

  • Respond to inquiries and provide requested information.
  • Evaluate applications and process enrollment.
  • Deliver educational instruction, student support, and career services.
  • Communicate important updates, deadlines, and event information.
  • Facilitate tuition payments and financial aid.
  • Improve our programs, website, and overall student experience.
  • Comply with accreditation, state, and federal reporting requirements.
  • Send promotional messages about programs or events when you have opted in to receive them.

Educational records are maintained and used in accordance with FERPA and applicable accreditation and licensing requirements.

Text Messaging (SMS) Communications

By providing your mobile number and choosing to receive text messages from DTS, you agree to receive periodic messages from us related to your interest in our training programs. These may include updates about enrollment, class schedules, upcoming events, deadlines, and other important school communications. Message frequency may vary depending on your engagement with us.

Receiving text messages is optional and not required for enrollment or admission consideration. Standard message and data rates may apply, and message delivery is dependent on your mobile carrier.

You may opt out at any time by replying STOP to any text message. For additional help or information, reply HELP or contact us directly at dts@deharttech.edu or (209) 497-6105. If you opt out, you will no longer receive text communications but may still be contacted by phone or email regarding active inquiries, enrollment matters, or other essential school-related updates.

When you opt in, we store your mobile number and any other information you provide (such as your name, email address, or program interests) solely to facilitate our text communications. We may use secure, third-party messaging platforms to send and manage these texts. These providers are required to protect your information and are not permitted to use it for other purposes. DTS will never sell, rent, or share your phone number with other organizations for their own marketing.

How We Disclose Information

We do not sell personal information for monetary consideration.

In the past twelve (12) months, DTS has not sold or rented any personal information to third parties.

We may disclose limited personal information to trusted service providers and partners who assist us in operating our website, managing communications, processing inquiries, or improving our educational services. All service providers are contractually obligated to maintain confidentiality and use information only for the services they perform on our behalf. They are not permitted to sell, rent, or use your data for their own purposes.

All third parties receiving personal information act as service providers or contractors as defined under the CPRA and are bound by written agreements limiting their use of such information to specified business purposes. DTS prohibits these entities from retaining, using, or disclosing personal information for any purpose other than performing the services contractually required.

We may also share limited data with advertising and analytics partners (such as Google or Meta) to measure website performance, deliver relevant content, or improve the effectiveness of our marketing efforts. Such activity may constitute “sharing” under the CPRA. You can opt out of this sharing at any time through our “Your Privacy Choices” link, our Opt-Out Preferences page, or by enabling the Global Privacy Control (GPC) setting in your browser, which we honor automatically.

In addition, DTS may disclose personal information to the following parties when necessary and appropriate:

  • Service providers and vendors who support website operations, communications, enrollment systems, payment processing, or marketing and who are contractually obligated to protect personal information and use it only for authorized purposes.
  • Accrediting, licensing, or regulatory bodies to demonstrate compliance with institutional and program standards.
  • Government agencies or financial aid partners as required for lawful reporting, audit, or funding purposes.
  • Legal or compliance authorities when required by subpoena, court order, or applicable law.
  • Business transactions such as a merger, acquisition, or transfer of institutional assets, in which case successor entities will remain bound by equivalent privacy protections.

We have no actual knowledge of the sale or sharing of personal information of individuals under sixteen (16).

The categories of personal information that may be disclosed for a business purpose include:

  • Identifiers and contact details
  • Educational information
  • Financial information (for payment or financial aid processing)
  • Professional or employment-related information
  • Internet, technical, and usage data
  • Marketing and communication preferences

These disclosures are made solely to support legitimate business, educational, or operational purposes and are consistent with this Privacy Policy.

Data Retention

DTS retains personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, comply with accreditation and educational recordkeeping requirements, and satisfy legal or regulatory obligations.

We apply defined retention schedules for each category of personal information based on legal, operational, and accreditation requirements, and we periodically review these schedules to ensure data is not kept longer than necessary.

In general:

  • Student academic and enrollment records are maintained for a minimum of five (5) to seven (7) years after a student’s last date of attendance, and certain permanent records such as transcripts are retained indefinitely.
  • Financial and payment records are typically retained for up to five (5) years to meet accounting, audit, and regulatory obligations.
  • Admissions inquiries, applicant files, and marketing analytics data are generally retained for up to two (2) years, in alignment with our operational and marketing requirements.
  • Vendor and contractual records are maintained as required by law or for the duration of an active business relationship.

When retention periods expire or personal information is no longer needed for its original purpose, DTS securely deletes, de-identifies, or anonymizes the data in accordance with our data-protection and disposal procedures. De-identified information is maintained only in aggregate form and cannot reasonably be used to re-identify an individual. Where deletion is not possible for technical or legal reasons, DTS restricts further processing to the minimum necessary for compliance. Retention periods may be extended where necessary to preserve legal claims, meet accreditation audit schedules, or comply with federal student record requirements.

Public or Third-Party Links

Our website may include links to social-media platforms or other third-party websites.

DTS does not control and is not responsible for the privacy practices, content, or security of any external sites or services that are not operated by DTS. Accessing those websites is at your own discretion and subject to their individual privacy policies and terms of use.

We encourage you to carefully review the privacy policies and security practices of any linked websites or social-media platforms before providing personal information or engaging with their services. DTS’s Privacy Policy applies only to our institutional website and online systems, not to external sites.

Accreditation and Compliance

DTS is an accredited postsecondary institution committed to maintaining secure, transparent, and compliant data practices consistent with federal, state, and accreditation requirements.

We share student information with accrediting or regulatory agencies solely when required or authorized for institutional reviews, audits, performance evaluations, or program compliance, and only to the extent necessary to fulfill those obligations. Educational records are handled in accordance with FERPA, CPRA, and all  applicable accreditation and licensing standards.

If any conflict arises between FERPA and state privacy laws, FERPA controls the handling of educational records.

California Privacy Rights

If you reside in California, you have the following rights under the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA):

  • Right to Know: You may request details about the personal information we collect, use, disclose, or share, including the categories of data, sources, business purposes, and third parties involved.
  • Right to Delete: You may request deletion of personal information we collected from you, subject to lawful exceptions (e.g., educational recordkeeping under FERPA, regulatory, audit, or security retention requirements).
  • Right to Correct: You may request correction of inaccurate personal information we maintain about you. We will take reasonable steps to verify and correct such information.
  • Right to Opt Out of Sale or Sharing: We do not sell personal information for monetary consideration. Certain limited analytics or advertising activities may constitute “sharing” under CPRA. You may opt out at any time by using the “Your Privacy Choices / Opt-Out Preferences” link on our website or by enabling the Global Privacy Control (GPC) setting in your browser, which we honor automatically.
  • Right to Limit Use of Sensitive Information: We use sensitive personal information only as necessary for lawful business, educational, or administrative purposes (e.g., verifying identity, facilitating payments, or compliance). We do not use or disclose sensitive information to infer characteristics about individuals.
  • Right to Non-Discrimination: You will not be denied services, charged different prices, or provided a lower quality of service for exercising your privacy rights.
  • Minors’ Data: We have no actual knowledge of collecting, selling, or sharing personal information of minors under sixteen (16) years of age. If we become aware of such collection without appropriate consent, we will delete the data. For minors under thirteen (13), parental consent is required under the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
  • Global Privacy Control (GPC): When your browser sends a valid GPC signal, we treat it as a request to opt out of “sharing” under CPRA for that browser/session.

Verified Request Process:

To submit a verified request, contact us by:

  • Phone: (209) 497-6105
  • Email: dts@deharttech.edu
  • Mail: DeHart Technical School, 311 Bitritto Way, Suite C, Modesto, CA 95356

You or your authorized representative must provide sufficient information to verify your identity, such as your name, contact details, and relationship to DTS (e.g., applicant, student, graduate, or parent/guardian). If an authorized agent submits a request on your behalf, we may require a signed authorization or other proof of the agent’s authority, such as a valid power of attorney, and may verify your identity directly before responding. We respond to verified requests within 45 days, or up to 90 days if additional time is necessary, and will notify you of any extension and the reason for it.

Data Security

We maintain administrative, physical, and technical safeguards designed to protect personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.

Access to personal information is restricted to authorized personnel who require it for legitimate educational or operational purposes.

We regularly test and review these safeguards to ensure alignment with current legal, accreditation, and industry best practices. Our security program includes: (a) encryption of data in transit via HTTPS; (b) access-control and authentication procedures for all systems handling student or applicant data; (c) routine patching, malware, and vulnerability management; and (d) secure backups and disaster-recovery protocols. Third-party service providers with access to personal information are required to maintain equivalent administrative, technical, and physical safeguards.

Although we take reasonable precautions, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is entirely secure. Accordingly, we cannot guarantee absolute security, but we continually assess and strengthen our controls to reduce risk.

Children’s Privacy

Our programs and website are intended for individuals aged sixteen (16) and older.

We do not knowingly collect, use, sell, or share personal information from children under thirteen (13) years of age, and we comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and applicable California privacy laws. We also do not knowingly collect or share personal information from minors under sixteen (16) without appropriate consent as required by the CPRA.

If a parent or guardian believes that a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us at dts@deharttech.edu or (209) 497-6105 so we can promptly delete the information, discontinue further processing, and confirm deletion in writing.

Accessibility

DTS is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for all users, including those using assistive technologies.

We strive to make our Privacy Policy and all website content conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA and Section 508 standards.

If you experience any difficulty accessing this notice or any portion of our website, please contact us at (209) 497-6105 or dts@deharttech.edu. We will provide the requested information in an accessible or alternate format and make reasonable efforts to address any identified accessibility barriers promptly.

For accessibility feedback or improvement suggestions, please include “Accessibility Request” in your email subject line so we can route it directly to our compliance team.

Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, website functionality, or legal requirements. The “Effective” date above indicates the most recent revision. Significant updates, such as new website tools or tracking technologies, will be announced through our homepage or consent banner. If material changes are made, DTS will update the Effective Date and post a notice on our website homepage. We review and update this notice at least once every twelve (12) months.

Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests related to this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

DeHart Technical School
311 Bitritto Way, Suite C
Modesto, CA 95356
(209) 497-6105
dts@deharttech.edu